Approaching the West — Page 118
A pproaching the West—118 However, as the scope of the divinely assigned mission varied from Prophet to Prophet, the Holy Qur’ ā n sates that there are different ranks of the Prophets. … And We exalted some Prophets over the others…” (17:56) These Messengers of whom We have exalted some above others, Allah spoke to them and exalted some of them in degrees of rank… (2:254) For example, Moses and Mu ḥ ammad (peace be on them) resemble to each other as the Law-bearing Prophets. But the sphere of Mosaic Law was limited to the Israelites while the Law of Isl ā m as revealed to Prophet Mu ḥ ammad has universal application. There are many Prophets who did not bring any new law, and they followed the law brought by previous Prophets. … We gave to Moses the Book and caused after him Messengers to follow… (2:88) Some characteristics of the Prophets All Prophets, according to Isl ā mic teachings, were free of sin. They received the Holy Spirit from God and were divinely inspired. They had firm faith in that what was revealed to them as from God. They imparted to others what they received from God. They were the most righteous among their people, were truthful, just and possessors of high morals. They were selected by God from among the people, and they spoke local languages. They were all loving